Get matched with top septic tank pros in Avalon, CA

Q: What are the common signs of a failing septic system?

• <div><p>When your septic system is failing, you&rsquo;ll probably smell it. Common signs of a septic system failure include sewage odors in the home or around the yard, flooding in the yard above the septic tank or in the leach field, and wastewater or even raw sewage backing up into your home&rsquo;s drains. </p></div>

Q: Why is my well pump pressure switch clicking on and off?

• <div><p>Normally, when your well pump turns on or off, you&rsquo;ll hear a small click. This isn&rsquo;t anything to worry about, but it can be a problem if it&rsquo;s clicking continuously. This can indicate that the well pump is short cycling&mdash;the pump continuously turns on and off.</p><p>This can wear out the motor and provide uneven water flow. If this happens, you may need to get it looked at by a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/well-pump-repair-service/">well pump professional</a> to see if you need to repair the switch or pump.</p></div>

Q: How does a septic tank work?

• <div><p>Unlike an urban sewer system that runs wastewater into a central drainage system, septic tanks are a house-by-house system. They are the ultimate destination for all your house&rsquo;s wastewater&mdash;from bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and washing machines. Wastewater flows into a tank buried in the ground outside your home, and then water runs from the tank to a drainage field using sloped pipes.</p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of a septic drain field or leach field?

• <div><p>A properly installed and maintained septic drain field (also known as a leach field) can last up to 50 years, though the average is around 20 years. However, factors like poor soil conditions, heavy usage, or improper maintenance can significantly shorten its lifespan to 15-20 years.</p><p>To extend the life of your drain field:</p><ul><li><p><b>Schedule Regular Inspections:</b> Have the entire septic system, including the drain field, inspected every two to five years to catch problems early.</p></li><li><p><b>Protect the Area:</b> Avoid driving heavy vehicles or placing heavy structures over the drain field. Plant only grass or other lightweight vegetation with shallow roots over the area.</p></li><li><p><b>Maintain the Septic Tank:</b> Proper care of the septic tank, including regular pumping and avoiding harmful chemicals, prevents strain on the drain field.</p></li></ul><p>Be aware of signs of failure, such as strange odors, standing water, or unusually lush grass over the field, which indicate your system may need professional attention.</p></div>

Q: Can I add dirt over a septic field?

• <div><p>Adding a thin layer of dirt over a septic drain field is fine, especially if soil erosion has occurred. However, adding too much dirt can compact the soil, reducing the drain field&rsquo;s ability to absorb and filter wastewater properly. Avoid using heavy clay soil, as it can prevent proper drainage. Instead, use a light layer of topsoil and plant grass to help with soil stability. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your septic tank service project in Avalon, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Avalon, CA

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Avalon, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Septic Tank Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Avalon, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Septic Tank Service needs.

Last update on November 29, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Completed painting project faster than expected and was very thorough. Will recommend and refer to friends and family
Full Compass Painting
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2024
Zuck and his team were wonderful to work with for my roof replacement. He was very helpful throughout all steps of the process, with good and thorough communication.
Anytime Roofing, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2018
We have owed a cottage in Avalon, Santa Catalina Island for many years. We were in the process of replacing the awnings on the cottage and sought a referral from you. You gave us several from which we selected Mauro Quintero to provide and install new awnings. The awnings are now installed and...
MQ Awnings
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2017
Great work. Professional people. Very happy with heir work.
Diaz Lopez Tile
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2015
Very courteous and provided some great advice on what had to be done. Will be using them again and again when the time comes.
Ismael & Friends Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2013
He is a licensed contractor and does a really good job. There is lot of experience behind him. He has rebuilt our steps in our rental here. I know that he has rebuilt a really lovely house for parents of a friend of mine. He is very professional. He did a good job. He came and did the job...
Thompson's Construction
Request a quote

Find Septic tank pros in Avalon

VeriTech Plumbing

5.0(

)

Septic System - Repair - For Business

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Top Rated Commercial Plumbing Services in Orange County, CA are essential for keeping businesses running smoothly, and our team delivers unmatched reliability and precision. At VeriTech Plumbing, we provide advanced diagnostics, efficient repairs, and long-lasting solutions tailored to commercial properties of all sizes, ensuring performance, safety, and consistent operational flow.\n

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

McCormick Home Builders, Inc.

4.6(

)

Septic Tank - Clean or Pump OutSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out - For Business

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"We decided to remodel our outdated bathroom, and McCormick Home Builders was a fantastic choice. Khaled and the team delivered high-quality work within the timeline and our budget. Every detail, from the tile work to the lighting, was beautifully done. They communicated well throughout, keeping us informed at every step, and the end result was truly a spa-like bathroom we can enjoy daily. We’d love to work with them again!"

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by17%of homeowners

Request Quote

Home Pro Remodeling & Construction, Inc.

4.1(

)

Septic Tank - Clean or Pump OutSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out - For Business

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I had my garden and bathroom remodel done. Albert and Samuel were professional, friendly, and a delight to work with. They're responsive and reliable. I also like the subcontractors whom they used on my project. They kept me informed of everything and I appreciate their excellent work."

Response time5 days

Recommended by77%of homeowners

Request Quote

RSF Construction Inc.

1.0(

)

Septic Tank - Clean or Pump OutSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out - For Business

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

RSF Construction Inc. is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

Request Quote

The Drain Guys Plumbing and Rooter

4.7(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went very well. David the plumber who arrived to do the service was courteous, prompt and efficient. He had a pleasant demeanor and was extremely professional and nice."

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Request Quote

Edrooter Sewer & Drain

3.6(

571

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They had to come out 4 times. The first water heater started leaking after 6 months. It was replaced. The second water heater also started leaking after 6 months. I contacted the manufacturer and they recommended a thermal expansion tank be installed. It was not installed the first or second time the water heaters were installed. I did have to pay a re installation fee. I picked up the 3rd water heater myself and they gave me natural gas water heater instead of propane. The fourth attempt they finally got it right and so far the water heater has worked after 7 months. The guy was very responsive as far as my calls and issues. He came out whenever I needed. Unfortunately, the entire experience was just a train wreck."

+16

Recommended by64%of homeowners

Request Quote

Bob & Marc Plumbing Heating & Air

4.5(

104

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

"I called and setup an appointment for the afternoon. The dispatcher called back in an hour saying the plumber was free earlier and came immediately. He was there within an hour and gave me an estimate for the replacement and upgrade that I wanted. I agreed to the price and within 3 hours I had a new water heater. I can?t imagine where they could have done any better.
"

Recommended by89%of homeowners

Request Quote

All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical

4.1(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great customer service, reasonable price and great warranty. They even cleaned up after the job was complete, better than it was. They also performed a safety check of my plumbing and air conditioner system, leaving recommendations accordingly!!"

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Fixed the second floor shower drain from leaking. Really difficult to find a honest plumber, Leo the owner is a honest person. He fixed it without ripping out the shower. I would hire him again."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Pump Systems Unlimited Inc.

4.5(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Avalon, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I used this company for three years. They knew what they're doing. They respond really quickly and everything went well. They work really good."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 28

Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

When your septic system is failing, you’ll probably smell it. Common signs of a septic system failure include sewage odors in the home or around the yard, flooding in the yard above the septic tank or in the leach field, and wastewater or even raw sewage backing up into your home’s drains.

Normally, when your well pump turns on or off, you’ll hear a small click. This isn’t anything to worry about, but it can be a problem if it’s clicking continuously. This can indicate that the well pump is short cycling—the pump continuously turns on and off.

This can wear out the motor and provide uneven water flow. If this happens, you may need to get it looked at by a well pump professional to see if you need to repair the switch or pump.

Unlike an urban sewer system that runs wastewater into a central drainage system, septic tanks are a house-by-house system. They are the ultimate destination for all your house’s wastewater—from bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and washing machines. Wastewater flows into a tank buried in the ground outside your home, and then water runs from the tank to a drainage field using sloped pipes.

A properly installed and maintained septic drain field (also known as a leach field) can last up to 50 years, though the average is around 20 years. However, factors like poor soil conditions, heavy usage, or improper maintenance can significantly shorten its lifespan to 15-20 years.

To extend the life of your drain field:

Schedule Regular Inspections: Have the entire septic system, including the drain field, inspected every two to five years to catch problems early.
Protect the Area: Avoid driving heavy vehicles or placing heavy structures over the drain field. Plant only grass or other lightweight vegetation with shallow roots over the area.
Maintain the Septic Tank: Proper care of the septic tank, including regular pumping and avoiding harmful chemicals, prevents strain on the drain field.

Be aware of signs of failure, such as strange odors, standing water, or unusually lush grass over the field, which indicate your system may need professional attention.

Adding a thin layer of dirt over a septic drain field is fine, especially if soil erosion has occurred. However, adding too much dirt can compact the soil, reducing the drain field’s ability to absorb and filter wastewater properly. Avoid using heavy clay soil, as it can prevent proper drainage. Instead, use a light layer of topsoil and plant grass to help with soil stability.

The Avalon, CA homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does Septic Tank Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
A damaged septic system can leak odors and sewage, so repairs are urgent. Find out how much septic tank repair costs based on repair type, tank size, and more.
Melissa Graham
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Locate a Septic Tank? [2026 Data]
If it’s been there for a while, it can be hard to find the septic tank in your yard. Learn how much it costs to locate a septic tank with this guide.
D.P. Taylor
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
Crank Up Your Understanding of Septic Tank Volume
It’s crucial to install a septic tank with the right volume to avoid wastewater backups. This guide will help you calculate the right septic tank volume.
Jamie Cattanach
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
What’s the Right Septic Tank Size for Me?
Septic tank sizes vary depending on the size of your home, how many people live there, how much water you use, and more. Read on to learn how to determine the right size for you.
Taylor Freitas
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Are Septic Tanks Bad? Pros and Cons to Consider Before Moving Into a House With a Septic System
If you’ve never lived in a house with a septic system before, you might be wondering: Are septic tanks bad? Here are some of the pros and cons.
Taylor Freitas
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Build a Small Septic Tank for a Rural Property
Want to learn how to build a septic tank for your rural or off-grid property? First, check your local laws, then dive into these general guidelines.